Particular Asian countries (notably India, Thailand and Burma) are now estimated to have substantial numbers of HIV positive cases. The critical interacting factors which shape the HIV/AIDS epidemic in specific settings are the sexual and injecting drug using cultures and the governmental and societal responses to the threat of AIDS. This paper explores these factors in South (S.) Sulawesi in Eastern Indonesia. The paper presents recent quantitative and qualitative research findings on sexual culture, AIDS awareness and public health response in relation to the distinctive features of S. Sulawesi's geographical and socio-cultural setting. The paper concludes by discussing the major factors impeding and facilitating HIV/AIDS policy and programme implementation in S. Sulawesi.